- Date Of Birth: October 1, 1938
- Date Of Death: December 8, 2020
- State: Florida
Francis Emile Laurent Jr. (“Frank” or “Butch”), 82, of Cocoa Beach, FL passed away peacefully at home on Dec 8, 2020, with his wife and sons at his side. Born in New Orleans on Oct 1, 1938, he graduated from Tulane University in 1960 as a mechanical engineer. Frank proudly served our country as a commissioned officer in the US Navy Supply Corps aboard the USS Mitchell, supplying military aid to coalition forces in Vietnam.
Frank later joined TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority), building nuclear power plants throughout the Southeast. After retiring from TVA in 1994, he launched his own consulting business, Laurent & Associates, working at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. After retiring in 2000, he and Joy followed their hearts back to Cocoa Beach.
Frank and Joy celebrated 53 wonderful years of marriage earlier this year.
He was a man of character, faith, family and had a love for all people. Frank treasured and nurtured his many friendships, among them his lifelong New Orleans Buddies. He will be greatly missed.
As the result of health issues, Frank spent more than four years paralyzed. He was quick to remind all that, “I can’t walk but I can pray.” For those of you fortunate enough to have been on Frank’s prayer list, he says to tell you, ‘You’re on your own now.”
During this challenging time, Frank showed amazing strength and grace, always keeping a smile on his face and love in his heart. He often tempted fate, Joy’s ire and Chuck Yeager’s record, on his motorized chair.
Frank’s ability to live at home during his bed bound years, with his treasured family, was a testament to unwavering dedication of his loving wife Joy. The family recognizes the special care of Frank’s CNA, Marta Kosmowska and her tireless dedication to Frank and her support of the entire family. Special thanks are due to Kay Kaylor, Anita Cox and the members of the Hospice Pelican Team. Frank is preceded in death by his parents Francis and Vera Laurent. Frank is survived by his beloved wife Joy Elizabeth Thompson Laurent and their 2 sons, Andre’(Stacey) Laurent of Charlotte, NC and David Laurent of Vail, CO. He is also survived by his sister, Diane Laurent Kirsch of Baton Rouge, LA, along with many family members on all sides of the Laurent/Kirsch/Thompson families.
